Whether you agree or disagree with the “punishment fitting the crime”, I would consider that this is about respect. What you say or do in and amidst the confines of your circle of “friends” is your business, mutually consented upon. Still, we too often think of professional sports as “where the boys play”.
I am a huge NFL Football Fan. I believe in the honor of the game. That being said, the hideous behavior of some elements of fandom has nothing to do with sport and “the game”. It has everything to do with bullying and some primitive grab for a sense of power. It’s “just a joke” should more be a descriptor of the behavior, not the “humor” such as it is.
Honor the game. Honor the beauty of the game, whether it be football, hockey, baseball, basketball, soccer, cricket, chess or whatever. Leave the Neanderthal attempts at humor to your “backrooms” amongst those who will accept it. I love me some fun, but not at the expense of the dignity of others. “Round here, I call that bullying and thuggery. If you take pride in that, it says much about your state of character, as it is right now.
Get to the game, support your team, have a blast… and respect others’ dignity. Now, there is a fan.
R.E.S.P.E.C.T. You just found out what it means to me.
Peace, passion and prosperity… without ripping others.
Barry Lewis Green, aka The Unity Guy™